Caparo showcases Limo Green components

Caparo recently demonstrated their latest weight saving designs at the Cenex National Low Carbon Vehicle Event at the Milbrook Proving Ground near Milton Keynes.

The aims of the event was to showcase UK technology, to promote closer collaboration between businesses and help position the UK Low Carbon Vehicle industry to achieve best economic advantage. The event combined a series of seminars and workshops with static exhibition stands, and a ride and drive event. Amongst the speakers at the conference were Lord Drayson, Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills and Lord Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport.

Caparo displayed lightweight structures that have been developed as part of the ‘Limo Green’ project, a collaboration between Caparo Vehicle Technologies, Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus Engineering, and MIRA, supported by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board. Limo Green demonstrated a large, prestigious lightweight executive saloon with less than 120 g/km CO² emissions.

Caparo Vehicle Technologies’ contribution to the Limo Green project was the design of a new rear sub-frame that is 40% lighter compared to the current production version. The company has also managed to reduce the assembly components of the frame from 40 to 15. In addition, the Caparo designed Ultralight Seats are fully adjustable and bring about weight savings of 38% over those that they replace whilst at the same time maintaining full functionality. The Caparo AP Braking team have also produced a braking system that brings a 50% weight saving compared to the benchmark, thus decreasing un-sprung mass and rotational inertia - important when considering vehicle efficiency.

The Caparo team of specialists have achieved the weight advantages by using clever design, advanced
manufacturing technologies and materials. Ben Scott- Geddes, Technical Director at Caparo Vehicle Technologies, commented: “It is a well known fact that weight reduction is a key factor in diminishing the fuel that cars consume. It’s a key enabler for hybrid-powered vehicles and ultimately electric vehicles but any conventionally powered vehicles can
benefit as well.”

“Our aim has always been to deliver innovative and at the same time, scalable solutions”, stated Richard Butler, Divisional CEO of Caparo Vehicle Products. “All the components and design applications that were showcased at Cenex can be manufactured in volume, providing efficient lightweight component supply for automotive manufacturers. The Caparo Vehicle Products team is available at any time even post the event to offer any information and provide demonstrations as well as discuss ways in which our technologies can be applied to the vehicles of today”.

For more information please visit www.caparovehicleproducts.com or email info@caparo-vt.com

• Caparo AP Braking